UK stocks to watch as FTSE 100 rises on rate decisions and deals
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The FTSE 100 is set for a positive start to the week, with futures up 0.05%, as investors anticipate key economic and corporate developments. The Bank of England’s interest rate decision on Thursday remains in focus, with expectations of no change in policy amid the economic fallout from U.S. trade tensions and mixed UK economic data.
In corporate news, AstraZeneca ($AZN) surged 0.94% after announcing a $1 billion acquisition of biotech firm EsoBiotec, reinforcing its growth strategy in the sector. Phoenix Group ($PHNX) climbed 1.55%, following better-than-expected full-year profits, driven by strong performance in pensions and savings. Meanwhile, Science Group ($SAG) slipped 0.71%, as it reiterated calls for board changes at Ricardo Plc, after its proposal was rejected.
Elsewhere, Energean’s ($ENOG) asset sale to Carlyle ($CG) worth up to $945 million faces regulatory hurdles, risking collapse ahead of this week’s deadline. In financial services, Marsh expanded its Cyber Echo facility, broadening cyber insurance coverage for London market insurers.
On the policy front, UK Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil an "action plan" to reduce regulatory red tape, while the Resolution Foundation warns of a £4.4 billion budget deficit, adding further pressure on fiscal policy. Additionally, the British steel industry has urged government intervention to address high electricity prices, a key concern for manufacturing competitiveness.
In markets, oil prices rose, gold firmed after hitting a record high, and metals traded mostly higher, setting a bullish tone for commodities. With multiple economic and corporate catalysts in play, investors will closely watch BoE policy signals, trade policy updates, and M&A activity for further market direction.
In corporate news, AstraZeneca ($AZN) surged 0.94% after announcing a $1 billion acquisition of biotech firm EsoBiotec, reinforcing its growth strategy in the sector. Phoenix Group ($PHNX) climbed 1.55%, following better-than-expected full-year profits, driven by strong performance in pensions and savings. Meanwhile, Science Group ($SAG) slipped 0.71%, as it reiterated calls for board changes at Ricardo Plc, after its proposal was rejected.
Elsewhere, Energean’s ($ENOG) asset sale to Carlyle ($CG) worth up to $945 million faces regulatory hurdles, risking collapse ahead of this week’s deadline. In financial services, Marsh expanded its Cyber Echo facility, broadening cyber insurance coverage for London market insurers.
On the policy front, UK Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil an "action plan" to reduce regulatory red tape, while the Resolution Foundation warns of a £4.4 billion budget deficit, adding further pressure on fiscal policy. Additionally, the British steel industry has urged government intervention to address high electricity prices, a key concern for manufacturing competitiveness.
In markets, oil prices rose, gold firmed after hitting a record high, and metals traded mostly higher, setting a bullish tone for commodities. With multiple economic and corporate catalysts in play, investors will closely watch BoE policy signals, trade policy updates, and M&A activity for further market direction.